Podcast Summary: "Eylon Levy" on In These Times with Rabbi Ammi Hirsch

Release Date: November 7, 2024
Host: Rabbi Ami Hirsch, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue
Guest: Eylon Levy, Co-founder of the Israeli Citizen Spokesperson's Office

Introduction and Background

In this episode of In These Times with Rabbi Ami Hirsch, host Rabbi Ami Hirsch welcomes Eylon Levy, a prominent figure who transitioned from anti-government protester to government spokesperson during Israel’s intense conflict with Hamas. The conversation delves into Levy’s unique journey, the challenges faced by Israel both militarily and in the information arena, and the broader implications for Jewish communities worldwide.

From Protester to Government Spokesperson

Levy recounts his unexpected shift from activism to an official role within the Israeli Prime Minister’s office. Initially a TV news anchor and former foreign media advisor to President Herzog, Levy found himself compelled to act during the early days of the Hamas invasion on October 7th, 2023.

Eylon Levy [02:43]: "When this war started, I was a private citizen... Within a week, I found myself working as an official spokesperson for the Prime Minister's office."

Despite his previous protests against the government, Levy accepted the role to contribute to Israel’s defense efforts, highlighting a collective national mobilization in response to the existential threat.

Departure from the Prime Minister’s Office

After approximately five and a half months, Levy was compelled to resign from his spokesperson position due to internal conflicts. He attributes his ousting to pressure from the Prime Minister's wife and negative media portrayal by the UK Foreign Secretary.

Eylon Levy [07:23]: "I was forced to resign and said that I was resigning in a way that we would continue to fight this from civil society."

Levy criticizes the Prime Minister’s office for mishandling his departure, which he believes damaged Israel’s international standing by failing to clearly communicate the reasons behind his removal.

Humanitarian Aid Controversy

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the controversy surrounding humanitarian aid to Gaza. Levy defends Israel’s efforts to facilitate aid influx, contending that restrictions are not the issue but rather the mismanagement and hijacking of aid by Hamas.

Eylon Levy [10:53]: "At any given moment, there are hundreds of trucks worth of aid piling up at Kerem Shalom... but UN hasn’t been picking them up."

He argues that the real problem lies in the blockade of aid within Gaza, exacerbated by corruption and misallocation by Hamas and affiliated groups.

Mood and Morale in Israel

Levy provides a candid assessment of the current Israeli societal mood, describing it as "anxious" yet resilient. The protracted conflict has led to widespread fatigue, but also a strong sense of collective purpose and defiance against ongoing threats from multiple fronts, including Hezbollah and Iranian militias.

Eylon Levy [15:10]: "The mood is anxious in Israel... but there's also a sort of a steely weariness about still being stuck in this situation."

The Information War and International Perception

A critical theme of the podcast is the "information war" between Israel and its global adversaries. Levy expresses frustration over Israel’s perceived abandonment of proactive communication strategies, which has allowed negative narratives to dominate international media.

Eylon Levy [24:35]: "I think Israel has to take a share of the blame and the responsibility, which is that Israel has simply abandoned the information battlefield."

He emphasizes the importance of countering misinformation and advocating for Israel’s perspective to maintain international support and combat anti-Semitism.

Engagement with Western Media and Campus Dynamics

Levy discusses his interactions with Western media, highlighting the challenges of countering biased narratives. He shares his experience debating Mehdi Hassan, noting the difficulties of engaging with opponents who prioritize character attacks over substantive discourse.

Eylon Levy [39:11]: "It was about as pleasant as root canal surgery without anesthesia."

Levy underscores the need for Jewish students and diaspora communities to actively participate in shaping narratives and defending Israel’s actions against misinformation.

Message to American Jews

In his concluding remarks, Levy appeals directly to American Jews, urging them to engage in the information war to protect both Israel and Jewish communities globally. He stresses the necessity of dismantling anti-Israel rhetoric to combat rising anti-Semitism.

Eylon Levy [42:25]: "You have to speak up for your brothers and sisters who are under attack because we cannot allow our enemies to pick us off by dividing and ruling us."

Levy introduces the Israeli Citizen Spokesperson’s Office as a resource aimed at empowering diaspora Jews with the information and tools needed to advocate effectively for Israel.

Closing Reflections by Rabbi Ami Hirsch

Rabbi Hirsch reflects on Levy’s contributions and the broader implications for Israeli society and global Jewish communities. She emphasizes the enduring strength and moral fortitude of the Israeli people compared to their political leaders, drawing on Jewish tradition to highlight the symbiotic relationship between leadership and generational character.

Notable Quotes

• Eylon Levy [02:43]: "We woke up... and Israeli society kicked into action."
• Eylon Levy [10:53]: "At any given moment, there are hundreds of trucks worth of aid piling up at Kerem Shalom."
• Eylon Levy [24:35]: "Israel has simply abandoned the information battlefield."
• Eylon Levy [42:25]: "You have to speak up for your brothers and sisters who are under attack."

Conclusion

This episode offers a profound exploration of the multifaceted challenges Israel faces in both military and informational conflicts. Eylon Levy’s firsthand experiences shed light on the complexities of national defense, media strategy, and the critical role of diaspora communities in supporting Israel. Rabbi Ami Hirsch’s insightful questioning and reflections provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the stakes involved and the imperative for unified support within and beyond the Jewish community.